Fusion Albania
Albania is the poorest country in Europe, with over 30% of the population living below the poverty line. Over 17% official unemployment, although others estimate it may be as high as 30% in reality.
In 1990 Albania ended 44 years of xenophobic communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven difficult as governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure, widespread gangsterism, and disruptive political opponents.
Fusion’s work in Albania began with just three small community festivals in 2005 in response to a ‘please come and help us’ call, which led to ongoing training and support so that the local team could reach out to their own community in their own heart language.
In the face of this we have a committed group of very special young people who want to see their country, and in fact the whole of the Balkans, transformed. They are Erion Dielli (coordinator), Desara Tytymce (Schools work and development), and three other native Albanian trainees (Besi, Lorena and Luciena). They are working with very little resource or support but have big dreams and the plans to fulfil them.
So far this year the team have run one Daytrip per month over the past three months, with the last one having 123 participants! Over 70 young people have indicated they want to change their priorities to work with the team to transform their communities.
Much of the regular work revolves around Day Trips and Talk ‘n’ Tucker small groups. Day trips are run each month, providing a way for increasing numbers of young people to connect with each other and the team in a positive, life changing way and to present them with the challenge to review their priorities.
Children's Day
June 1st is International Children's Day and many countries celebrate it publicly.
Korce Albania saw hundreds of children holding a presentation in a big park and then parading down the main boulevard dressed in traditional uniform and other costumes. The Fusion Albania team took the opportunity to run a festival with face painting, balloon sculpting, puzzles, circus skills and group games. These activities helped entertain the children throughout the day. The local council praised their work, seeing them as professional and committed in their approach. A team of 30 young people connected to Fusion recently also helped the local council clean up rubbish from around the city!
Plans are for more festivals and clean up days in the future.
The next Fusion Albania event is a Day Trip on the 22nd of June, where at least 100 young people will enjoy a fun high action day of activities. The team will also be running festival activities during Open Week on 9th of July.